EPA Regional Administrator: “Regionally, we’ve increased inspections and more than doubled the pounds of pollution reduced and treated over last year. This translates directly into better health protection and environmental improvements in our communities.”

(Seattle, WA – December 4, 2008) In fiscal year 2008, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency enforcement work in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska helped reduce or treat almost 22 million pounds of pollution in the region. EPA enforcement data gathered for FY 08 also reveals that 1,183 inspections led to 142 completed enforcement actions, resulting in facilities investing over $57 million in plant and process improvements to insure compliance. In terms of pollution reduced or treated, FY ‘08 more than doubled the pollution reductions of FY ’07.

According to Elin D. Miller, EPA’s regional administrator in Seattle, the Agency’s robust enforcement and compliance program helps protect public health and inspires responsible behavior in the regulated community.

“Our enforcement results speak for themselves,” said Miller. “We've increased our inspections, more than doubled the pounds of pollution reduced or treated, and required more than $57 million in process improvements to ensure future compliance. This translates directly into better health protection for both the environment and local communities.”

Here’s a snapshot of the EPA regional enforcement record for the past three years: Total inspections: FY06 - 1299FY07 - 976FY08 - 1183